Apple’s Next MacOS: The End of the Line for Certain Intel Macs?

In true Apple fashion, the upcoming WWDC event is shaping up to be a parade of shiny new software—macOS 26, iOS 26, and watchOS 26 all lined up, ready to dominate headlines. But lurking behind the excitement about fresh features and fresh branding (yes, they’re changing from macOS 16 to 26, because who doesn’t love a year-based moniker?), is the harsh reality that not all Macs will follow the upgrade path anymore. Especially those still rocking Intel chips from 2020.

Out With the Old, or Just the Less-New?

We’ve known for a while that Apple’s shift to Apple Silicon means the older Intel Macs are on borrowed time. What’s new is a more concrete cut-off date, backed by credible leaks suggesting that the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt ports may be left behind with macOS 26. This is a significant signal that Apple’s rolling out a not-so-gentle nudge toward their custom chips, leaving some legacy hardware in the dust.

Apple’s move isn’t entirely surprising—after all, supporting aging hardware indefinitely can get messy. But the fact that it’s the 2020 model, still fairly recent in tech terms, highlights how aggressively Apple is pruning its lineup. The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt ports houses an 8th-generation Intel chip, similar to what powered the 2018 models. Meanwhile, the four-port 2020 model boasted a 10th-generation processor, which suggests that the support cut isn’t just about age but also about performance and architecture. Apple already announced they’ll phase out 2018 Macs, and that trend continues here.

What Does This Mean for Users?

If you’re holding onto a 2020 MacBook Pro with just dual Thunderbolt ports, or perhaps a 2018 Mac mini or the venerable 2017 Mac Pro, it’s now looking like macOS 26 might be the last OS you see on these machines. Apple’s not just ditching hardware in a vacuum—they’re doing it to ensure a more secure, streamlined, and efficient ecosystem, especially given how much of their latest features rely on the advanced capabilities of Apple Silicon.

Of course, the dual Thunderbolt port models and similar machines will likely still run older OS versions smoothly for a while. But if you’re eyeing the latest productivity tools, enhanced visuals, or that visionOS-inspired “glass” aesthetic, you might need to start planning a hardware upgrade soon. Remember, Apple is also launching iOS 26 and watchOS 26 alongside, so expect a broad shift toward their newest architecture and features across the ecosystem.

Why It Matters Now

This isn’t just about software support; it’s about the ongoing transition from Intel to Apple Silicon that’s been building since 2020. It’s a critical step—perhaps the last—before Apple’s entire lineup is optimized around their own chips, promising better performance, battery life, and tight ecosystem integration. But for early adopters of Intel Macs, especially those still running year-old hardware, it’s a signal to start considering an upgrade.

We still don’t know if macOS 26 will be a dramatic leap forward or more incremental. Nor do we know if support cut-offs will extend even further before Apple fully redefines what “modern Mac” means. What’s clear is that Apple’s playing a long game, and for many, the days of owning a recent Intel Mac without potential obsolescence are numbered.

So, strap in. The future is shiny, speedy, and Apple Silicon-powered. But for now, if your 2020 MacBook Pro has been your faithful workhorse, it might be time to start thinking about a transition—because of course it is.